CO2 Complexes with Five-Membered Heterocycles: Structure, Topology, and Spectroscopic Characterization

J Phys Chem A. 2017 Nov 30;121(47):9118-9130. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpca.7b09394. Epub 2017 Nov 17.

Abstract

In a first step toward the rational design of macrocyclic structures optimized for CO2 capture, we systematically explored the potential of 30 five-membered aromatic heterocycles to establish coordinating complexes with this pollutant. The interactions between the two moieties were studied in several orientations, and the obtained complexes were analyzed in terms of electron density and vibrational fingerprint. The former is an aid to provide an in-depth knowledge of the interaction, whereas the latter should help to select structural motifs that have not only good complexation properties but also diagnostic spectroscopic signals.